A SAMUEL FRENCH, LTD. TITLE

Beryl

Full-Length Play, Drama  /  2w, 2m

Maxine Peake

I had a constant battle to get where I am today. Scrimping and scraping, people telling me not to do it, I couldn't do it. That my life wouldn't amount to very much. Now I might have had a bit of natural talent but I got here because of pure determination and persistence. Stubbornness you might say. I always went that extra mile, pushed myself that bit harder than anyone else and never took anything for granted.

Beryl

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    2w, 2m
  • Duration
    Duration
    120 minutes (2 hours)
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Biography
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult, Senior, Teen (Age 14 - 18)

Details

Summary
It was 1954 when Beryl Charnock met keen cyclist Charlie Burton. In those days they cycled in clubs and once Beryl started she was smitten, not only with Charlie, but by the thrill and freedom found on two wheels. Beryl was better than good, she was the best, and she was determined to stay that way.

Beryl Burton was five times world-pursuit champion, thirteen times national champion, twice road-racing world champion and twelve times national champion. Her accolades include time trials, former world-record holder, former British record-holder, numerous sports awards an MBE and an OBE. Burton was one of the most astonishing sports people ever to have lived, but she remains something of a mystery.

Beryl, which celebrates the extraordinary sporting achievements of this inspirational cyclist, has been specially commissioned as an adaptation from Maxine Peake's acclaimed 2012 Radio 4 play and marks her stage-writing debut. It received its world premiere on 30 June 2014 at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in the Courtyard Theatre.
Keywords
  • Time Period 1950s
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Cautions
    • No Special Cautions

Media

“A play about what you can do if you have enough determination and Yorkshire grit to be a winner.” – Guardian

“Beryl offers a charming entre into the sport and the legend of its greatest female practitioner” – Independent

“The story of an extraordinary woman, mother and legend who couldn't stop herself from peddling - and winning.” – Stage

“. . . it sings the praises of a neglected cycling heroine . . . and generally hymns the glories of pedalling your heart out.” – Daily Telegraph

“. . . tale of passion, tenacity and a little-known legend.” – The Times

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £70 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

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Authors

Author

Maxine Peake

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